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Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina

​Summary

Exercise normal safety precautions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour. Monitor the media and other sources for changes to local travel conditions.

An influx of asylum seekers into Europe has caused some localised disruption to cross-border road and train services in recent years. More disruptions are possible so have back-up plans. See Local travel.

There is a threat of terrorist attack. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities. Terrorists are likely to plan attacks in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Be alert in public places such and places of mass gathering. See
Safety and security.

Lethal unmarked landmines and other unexploded ordnances are a hazard. See
Local travel.

Other formalities

Ensure your passport is stamped when you enter the country. If it isn't stamped, you could face difficulties when trying to leave.

You need to register with the local police within 48 hours of arrival. Hotels will usually organise this for you on arrival. Confirm this when you check in.

Children (under 18 years of age) travelling alone or with one parent may need to produce a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent(s) and a copy of the child's birth certificate on arrival. This is in addition to the child's passport. Check requirements with an
Embassy or Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina before you travel.

Passport

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after the date you intend to return to Australia.

Your passport is a valuable document and attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. Always keep it in a safe place.

Be aware of attempts to get access to your passport by deception. If you are forced to hand over your passport, contact the Embassy for advice.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must notify the Australian Government as soon as possible.

Money

The currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Bosnian Mark (KM or BAM).

ATMs are common in major centres. Credit cards and debit cards are increasingly accepted outside Sarajevo but you'll still need cash on hand, particularly outside of the major cities.

Travellers cheques can be cashed for KM at some banks but are otherwise only rarely accepted.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorist attack in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities. Targets have included public transport and transport hubs, places of worship, sporting venues and places of mass gathering, including those frequented by foreigners. European security services have also disrupted a number of planned attacks. Terrorists are likely to plan attacks targeting Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In planning your activities, think about places that could be terrorist targets and the level of security provided.

Be alert in public places such as shopping areas, places of worship, sporting venues, public transport, airports and other transport hubs, and places of mass gathering.

Report any suspicious activity or items to police.

Keep an eye on the news for any new or emerging threats.

Take official warnings seriously and follow the instructions of local authorities.

If there is an attack, leave the affected area immediately if it is safe to do so.

Pay close attention to your personal belongings, particularly on public transport and in crowds.

Carry only what you need. Leave other valuables in a secure location.

Use ATMs in controlled areas such as within banks, shops and shopping centres. Avoid ATMs that open onto the street, especially at night.

Keep an eye on the news for any areas where there is gun violence and avoid those areas.

Local travel

Delays at borders

There has been a significant increase in asylum seekers into Europe in recent years. In some cases, police have been deployed to prevent asylum seekers from crossing borders and accessing transport. There has been localised disruption to some cross-border road and rail services. More disruptions to transport services and delays at borders are possible.

If travelling by road or train, allow additional time to cover any disruption and make contingency plans.

Avoid large groups.

Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Unexploded ordnance

Unmarked landmines and other unexploded ordnance (UXO) are widespread throughout the country, particularly on minor roads, unpaved surfaces and in abandoned or derelict buildings. If disturbed, UXO could kill or injure you. Seek local advice on safe travel routes.

Road travel

Driving can be dangerous. Roads and vehicles are poorly maintained and road lighting is inadequate. Drivers regularly ignore road rules. Black ice, fog and landslides can make roads particularly hazardous in winter and spring. Unmarked landmines and UXO, including on some minor roads, are an additional threat.

To enter Bosnia and Herzegovina in a vehicle, you'll need to show your insurance. If you don't have the correct insurance cover, you can purchase insurance on entry. Where available, border police will direct you to an insurer's offices located at the border crossing. If travelling by car, research the relevant border crossing and prepare accordingly - not all border crossings have an insurer's office and credit card payments are not always possible.

Familiarise yourself with local traffic laws, including:

use winter tyres or tyres with snow chains from 15 November to 15 April

always carry your driver's licence when driving

when driving, always have your headlights on, even during the day

the blood alcohol limit is 0.03%; for drivers under 21 years of age or with less than three years driving experience, the blood alcohol limit is 0.00%

police can collect traffic fines on the spot.

Speed limits aren't always marked in rural areas. Most roads have a speed limit of 50km/h, but some roads are 80 km/h. Highways are usually 100km/h.

Check your travel insurance will cover you before driving.

Drive defensively and adjust your driving to the weather and road conditions.

Driver's licence

You'll need a valid international driving permit (IDP) along with your current Australian driver's licence to drive a vehicle. Driving without an IDP could void your travel and vehicle insurance.

Taxis

Taxis are available in most towns and for inter-city travel. Use only registered taxis whose licence plates begin with 'TA'. Ensure the meter is used and running throughout your trip - pay particular attention at the airport.

Public transport

Public transport is usually reliable but it can be crowded and standards vary.

Air travel

The Australian Government does not provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. See the
Aviation Safety Network website for information on aviation safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Dual nationals

Bosnia and Herzegovina recognises dual nationality in certain circumstances only. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to dual nationals who are arrested or detained.

If you are an Australian – Bosnia and Herzegovinian dual national, travel on your Australian passport to avoid possible barriers to accessing consular assistance.

Health

Travel insurance

Take out comprehensive travel insurance before you depart to cover overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.

Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for your medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs. This can be very expensive and cost you many thousands of dollars upfront.

Confirm:

what circumstances and activities are and are not covered under your policy

Medication

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you're on medication, check if your medication is legal in each country you're travelling to and seek advice from an on any quantity restrictions that may apply. If it is illegal, consult your doctor about alternatives well in advance of your travel.

Take prescription medicine with you so you remain in good health. Always carry a letter from your doctor stating what the medicine is, how much you'll take and that it's for personal use only.

Where to get help

Depending on what you need, your best option may be to contact your family, friends, airline, travel agent, tour operator, employer or travel insurer. Your travel insurer should have a 24 hour emergency number.